Wesley Sneijder Now Tied for 2nd-Most World Cup Goals in Dutch History
June 30, 2014
With his 88th-minute equalizer that helped the Netherlands stun Mexico in the round of 16 at the World Cup on Sunday, ESPN Stats & Info indicates Wesley Sneijder moved into a tie for the second-most World Cup goals in Oranje history.
He now trails only Johnny Rep, who scored seven goals during the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.
Joining Sneijder in second place with six goals are Rob Rensenbrink, Dennis Bergkamp and current teammate Arjen Robben. Rensenbrink played in the '74 and '78 Cups with Rep, while Bergkamp made his mark in 1994 and 1998.
Robben and Sneijder will both have at least one more chance to add to their career totals—as will teammate Robin Van Persie, who has five career World Cup goals to his name.
The Dutch fell behind 1-0 in the 48th minute of Sunday's match, but came back in historic fashion to advance to the quarterfinals.
Sneijder's goal in the 88th minute off a set piece seemed like it was destined to send the game into extra time, but Robben was able to draw a controversial penalty in the box two minutes into stoppage time. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar knocked home the penalty shot to give the Dutch the lead for good.
The incredible two-goal rally marked the latest comeback in World Cup history, as Paul Carr of ESPN Stats & Info notes the Netherlands became the first team to ever win a knockout-stage game in regulation after trailing in the 88th minute.
